We are a rather unique small pre-school as we are an independent charity and we are set in the heart of the village of Winterslow.

We all know that children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences before they start statutory education have a major impact on their future life chances. We offer pre-school children the first steps towards their life-long learning journey. We strive to provide a welcoming, happy and stimulating environment for children from the age of two to the start of primary education.

Staff work in partnership with parents/carers to help children learn, develop and make expected progress as set out by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. The teaching is thorough, focused and fun and is filled with activities that are both developmental and exciting. Staff motivate the children to develop naturally and they provide every opportunity for learning to take place, often through play. The children are encouraged to develop a love for learning through a child-led approach where staff follow the children’s interests to support their individual development.

Through the teaching of phonics children learn how to recognise the sounds that each letter makes. They are then taught to blend sounds to make words and this is the first vital step in learning to read and to write. Equal importance is given to the teaching of numeracy skills as this lays the foundations for future mathematical understanding, problem-solving and overall cognitive development.

Staff also foster social and emotional development, enhance communication skills, develop physical coordination and promote cognitive growth. There are many opportunities for free play throughout each day where children can develop their natural wonder and curiosity.

Our well-planned sessions therefore enable children to learn at their own pace through activities based on their interests. Expectations are realistically high and effort is always acknowledged. The children’s learning is monitored and assessed to ensure that future needs are identified and met.

For the 38 school weeks there will be lots of different educational and fun opportunities offered to the children throughout the day – from story times to messy play, painting, baking, and many outdoors activities, including Welly Walks in the woods. With much learning taking place through play, every day is different, exciting and adventurous. We have a dedicated room in the village hall and plenty of outdoor space for the children to explore.

 We offer all-day and half day sessions form 8am to 6pm Monday to Thursday (8am to 3pm Friday) throughout Wiltshire school terms. We also provide a holiday club that runs from 8.30am to 4.30pm during some weeks of the school holidays.

 We can offer places to children entitled to government funding as well as childcare vouchers.

STAFF

Being an early years practitioner means being part of a caring profession. This involves having feelings of responsibility and respect for children, and engaging in nurturing behaviours - being watchful, protective and acting with care, affection and regard for their individual needs. 

Our key practitioners nurture the children, value their interests and provide numerous opportunities for play-based activities so that children can thrive and enjoy their time with us.

We provide continuous training opportunities for our staff, ensuring that you can be confident in the knowledge that your child is in the best hands.

THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

The pre-school forms links with the local community that the children can benefit from. This includes visits to local clubs, joining in with activities at the local primary school, hosting visiting speakers and organising outdoor trips. The local visiting library van comes to the pre-school once a fortnight and the children are encouraged to take out books for reading either at home or at the pre-school.

 For more information about our pre-school, please contact the pre-school Manager to book a visit to the setting. Email ‘winterslowpsstaff@gmail.com’ or phone 07395 317953